Destination Maternity Corp. is thinking big. The world’s largest retailer of maternity apparel is bullish on its superstore format, with new locations in Paramus, N.J., and Virginia Beach, Va. The Philadelphia-based company has an estimated 35% to 45% share of the U.S. maternity market.

The two new stores vary in size and have different layouts, as well as some merchandising variations. But both are designed as customer-centric, one-stop shopping resources. And both share a common vision.

With sales of spices and seasonings on a steady upswing, the 123-year-old McCormick & Company has opened its first-ever retail location. More than a traditional retail outlet, the 3,818-sq.-ft. McCormick World of Flavors is a destination that aims to build brand excitement and demonstrate the company’s leadership in flavor. It showcases McCormick’s complete family of products and brands, which run the gamut from Old Bay to Thai Kitchen.

Ultra Diamonds has unveiled a contemporary prototype that provides the ideal home for its sparkling merchandise. The design showcases the breadth and diversity of the jewelry retailer’s assortment, while putting a stylish new spin on the space.

There is no escaping the pop-up or temporary store phenomena — and with retail vacancy still high in some markets, it’s not likely to go away anytime soon. What’s more, consumers seem to love them.

While a few critics are grumbling that the proliferation of pop-ups has taken away from their impact, they are in the minority. Most experts agree that, as a retail platform, the temporary format has real staying power.

Parking lots have typically not been associated with green and energy-efficient design and building practices. But according to some experts, that’s beginning to change.

“Extensive changes are being made to reduce the carbon footprint of surface parking lots,” said Matt Jobin, AIA, project manager, Rich and Associates, Southfield, Mich., the oldest firm in North America dedicated solely to parking design and planning.

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